Posts Tagged ‘plumber salt lake city’

During the winter one of the easiest ways to burst your pipes open is to allow the water to freeze inside them. Busted pipes can be very costly to repair and cause serious damage. The best thing to do is take preventative action so you don’t have frozen water pipes during the colder months.

Insulating your Utah plumbing is the easiest and cheapest way to prevent water from freezing in your pipes. You can get insulation for your pipes at any home improvement or Utah plumbing store. You just need to now what size your pipes are and the amount of insulation, or length, that you will need.

When you purchase your insulation you will first need to measure you pipes. This will allow you to know the size sleeve you will need for your pipe. If you have never done this before it is a good idea to talk to a Utah plumbing professional and make sure you are purchasing the right insulation for your job, and to make sure that you measured your pipes correctly.

Pipes should be clear before you start working on the insulation. Clean out any dirt or debris that may be stuck on the pipes. This will prevent decay, warping and rusting.

Next, take your insulation sleeve to insulate your pipes. Insulation sleeves are the easiest way to insulate your plumbing since they have a small cut in them to allow you to fit the insulation snugly around the pipe. You simply open the sleeve and fit it on your plumbing.

You will know quickly if you got the wrong size. If it doesn’t fit snugly around the pipe you got the wrong size. You can still use sleeves that are larger than your plumbing, but it takes more work to make sure it is wrapped properly. A good idea would be to return the sleeves and get the right size.

You will still mostly like have to cut some of your insulation to make room for parts in your Utah plumbing. These parts are the bends and corner pieces in your pipes. Different angles may need to be cut to make the insulation fit around them.

When the pipes are all covered it is important to use duct tape to seal the insulation. Cover all cuts, slits and openings in the insulation. You want to make sure that the insulation is well sealed to protect the pipes.

Frozen pipes can happen during the wintertime. It is important to take precautions to prevent this from happening. However, if it does happen to your pipes, even after winterizing them, there are things you can do with your Utah plumbing to fix the problem.

Water that freezes in your pipes tries their best to expand inside the pipeline. Frozen water then pushes up against the sides of the pipes and move through the seams to the valves and faucets. This action can rupture the pipe.

When your pipes freeze you need to take action. Because trying to fix anything be sure that you open up the faucet first. The steam that is created from trying to heat a pipe can cause the pipe to burst as well.

An easy way to heat a frozen pipe is to use electric heat tape. Simply wrap the pipe and wait for the pipe to eventually thaw out. Since it is a slow-moving process there is less chance of wear and tear happening with your pipes.

Use a “piping hot” machine. A piping hot machine has spring-loaded clamps that are attached to a certain area of your pipe. The clamps are connected to the pipe, and the machine heats the portion of the pipes that are connected to the clamps. Piping hot machines can be rented through your Utah plumbing company.

Another common way to add heat to the pipe is to wrap it in layers of cloths and then pouring hot water over it. The process has to be repeated several times for it to be successful. You can use a bucket to catch water for higher pipes.

Heat guns or hair dryers are also commonly used tools. They allow you to add heat to a pipe. Avoid getting electrically shocked by not standing in any watery areas.

Once you heat the pipes and unfreeze them, make it a priority to set up preventative measures with your Utah plumbing.  Protecting your pipes doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort. And you will really appreciate it in the future.

Water can easily get frozen during the winter months. Frozen water can cause a lot of issues for your Utah plumbing. Frozen water is the most common cause for pipes breaking down.

The good news is that frozen water in pipes can be prevented. There are things you can do to prevent water pipes from getting busted because of water. This is true even in the coldest parts of Utah.

The best way to prevent frozen pipes is having pipe insulation. Pipe insulation can come in a few different styles and sizes. Find pipe insulation that is the correct size for your pipes.

You can find pipe insulation at hardware stores or Utah plumbing stores. Most home improvement stores will also have insulation for you to purchase. You will want to buy enough to wrap all your piping.

Pipes should be wrapped with the pipe insulation that you bought. Foam pipe insulation usually has a split down the middle that helps it fit over the pipes. The pipes should be completely wrapped with the insulation.

Wrap heat tape around your pipes. Heat tape is tape that has an electrical wire that protects areas of pipes that are more prone to freezing over. Heat tape is plugged in to an outlet and turned on that way.

Heat tape is relatively inexpensive and does a great job with preventing water from freezing over in your pipes. Many Utah plumbing shops will carry heat tape. You can find in a variety of lengths and sizes. They are easy to install, since all you have to do is wrap the tape around the pipe you are insulating and then plug it in.

Good locations to use heat tape at are places where pipes have a higher chance of freezing over. Both insulation and heat tape have a good history and last a good amount of time. They only need replacing when there are signs of decay.

Water leaks come with out warning. They can happen for a number of different reasons. When water leaks happen the floors of your home can become flooded very quickly. Utah plumbers are needed to repair the issue, but that is only one part of the problem. A lot of water damage can happen during water leaks – and that is nothing that Utah plumbers can easily fix.

Water can cause a lot of damage. The repairs and clean up can be expensive. Catching the leak as quickly as possible can save you from having a lot of damage happen to your home. Water leak detectors are useful for this.

Water leak detectors are small alarm systems that are put next to a main water line. They can be put on the floor, wall, or anywhere that would be near a water leak. When the alarm comes in contact with water the detector goes off to alert you of a possible water leak.

Water leak detectors usually work off of batteries. They normally are designed to be water-proof and can float on water if needed. That way you can still hear the alarm going off as the water leaks out and fills the room.

Water detectors do not prevent water leaks from happening. They do not shut off the water valve or stop the leak from continuing. You will still need to do that yourself and call a Utah plumber to come assess the plumbing issue. A water detector is an alarm that alerts you that a water leak is happening.

Water detectors, just like any alarm, should have their batteries replaced annually. This will ensure that it is working properly. Alarms only go off when they have properly charged batteries.

Some water detectors have remote sensing capabilities. That means sensors are placed around the home so when a leak happens at any of the locations only one alarm will go off on the main floor. Other water detectors are able to be connected to home alarm systems so the home security company is alerted as soon as a leak happens. There are also other water leak detectors that call to your cell phone to let you know of a possible leak. This comes in handy when you are away on vacation especially.

Water leak detectors can protect your property from getting damaged. It can be a lot less expensive to buy a water detector than face the thousands of dollars in repair costs. Having a water leak alarm can give you the peace of mind that your home is safe from water damage.

To feel completely comfortable in your home it is not always entirely dependent on the temperature. Humidity has a large impact of the comfort of you and your family as well. You neither want your home too humid or not humid enough.

Experts have said that your humidity levels should be at 30 to 60 percent. Having it too humid or not humid enough doesn’t just have effects on you but on your home and furniture as well.

When your home is too humid it can cause some of the following:
-Mold, dust mites, and mildew can form

-Allergies and/or asthma worsen

-Damp spots form in basements, ceilings, attics, and walls

-Ice or condensation on the inside of your windows

-Musty odors in your home

-Termites and cockroaches will frequently breed in humid environments

-Clammy or sweaty skin

When there is not enough humidity in your home the following can happen:
-Wall paper peeling or paint cracking

-Chronic dry and itchy skin, nosebleeds, sore throats, sinus irritation

-House is still cold even with the thermostat is set high

-Furniture can crack, loosen, or start falling apart

-Repertory problems

These are just a few of the many indicators that your home is either too dry or too humid. Both can have lasting effects that we all would want to avoid.

Ducts being blocked or not cleaned properly, boilers, furnaces, and air conditioners call all be part of the problem of too dry or too much humidity in your home.

Other regular activities like bathing, breathing, raining outside levels, cleaning, and cooking can also add to the problem. Because such activities as these naturally make it more humid in your home, sometimes the easiest solution for you is to get your ventilation system checked out and see what would be best for your home.

Many people do not feel as if humidity is a big deal. It can affect so many things though. Getting your ventilation system checked is well worth the results. Many times you can find deals and even free estimates in your area.

Whenever I hear or see a home or business owner complain about having to perform their annual backflow device testing I like to take the time to explain what backflow devices are for and why they are so important.

Backflow devices protect a water source from being contaminated by whatever the backflow device is connected to. This can be important for obvious reasons, especially when the water source is connected to hazardous equipment.

Our water systems are needed to protect the health and welfare of the general public, so backflow prevention devices are put in place to ensure that when there is a problem with the water line, or a cross connection, that the drinking water cannot be contaminated by it. These devices prevent water from flowing back into the water mains and keep them clean.

There are different types of devices which can be installed, depending on the water system or potential hazard that can occur. A simple device can be installed on your outside faucets for under $5, while a more complext device can be installed on your water connection for over $300.

For the owners that have to pay for a more complex device it can be an added annoyance to have to pay for the device to be checked annually. They may feel that they have taken preventions against contamination and that is enough. Unfortuantely, even with all these preventions to cross connection and water contamination there are still over 10,000 reported cases of backflow contamination every year, with some cases being fatal.

It is understandable for owners of these devices to become frustrated by the constant testing that occurs. Since many of these devices are tested annually they mostly don’t worry about the consequences that may happen if it weren’t working correctly. It is important to realize that there are still over 10,000 reported cases of backflow contamination each year.

If you own or are responsible for a backflow device, you need to know that backflow devices are prone to failure. The reasons for these failures range from the condition or the piping or divice, to the equipment connected to it.

Backflow devices are required by law where needed and must be installed in accordance with plumbing and building codes. A backflow assembly must be tested when installed to make certain it is operating correctly.

If a backflow device is not working properly (fails to operate) it will need to be repaired or replaced. A good tester will be able to determine why a device is malfunctioning or seeming to malfunction. Digital equipment is now used to aid in diagnosing any problems that arise.

Having a good working relationship with your air conditioning unit can be a good thing. Not everyone wants to make the call to their Provo cooling and air technicians to come over to troubleshoot simple problems that have happened. A lot of information can be found online or through your Provo cooling and air technician. They may be able to offer you good advice for taking care of your ac unit.

First, be aware of problems that are common with air conditioning units. The best way to troubleshoot problems is to learn about them. The Provo cooling and air technician you chose can help give you basic knowledge of your unit, as can a repair manual.

If you have a problem with the unit not being able to cool down the room look at the air ducts. Your unit should be able to provide coolness throughout the entire room. If you find this is not happening look at the filter and see if it is dirty.

Other reasons that your cooling unit may not be able to cool a room could be because of a blower wheel not operating. Check on that, and if that is not the cause look for a dirty evaporator. If there is any debris or dirt in your machine this will affect how well it works.

Since dirt is the common problem with troubleshooting it is important to keep up with good maintenance work with your unit. A cooling unit needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. The best time to clean is every month.

Some other problems caused by a dirty unit can be having your unit turn off and on with out reason. This usually happens when the condensing coils are dirty, which puts a lot of pressure on the air conditioning unit’s compressor. Another reason for a unit to turn off and on could be if the system is low on freon, which shorts the compressor.

Check for any leaks in your unit. Leaks can cause the unit to malfunction as well. It also can cause a lot of damage if not taken care of quickly, both to your system and to your home.

If you find any parts broken you will need to phone your Provo cooling and air technician to service it. To prevent water damage from happening, be sure to regularly check up on your air conditioning unit. For other problems just remember that dirt is the most common problem, so keep your unit clean. For more information see Utah Heating.

The maintenance of your central cooling system is something that is easily forgotten about. When you live in a climate where your cooling system is only used a few months out of the year, you may not even remember to keep up on your system’s preventative care; that is, until a hot, sweltering summer day comes, and your system goes KAPOOT! If you’ve been in this unfortunately predicament, you know that it costs a lot more to fix your central air than it would have to simply upkeep your system.

So to prevent breakdowns, let’s discuss what the experts recommend.  It’s recommended to service your central air twice a year. This way, when the seasons change, you will be sure that your system is functioning properly.

Furthermore, twice a year checkups on your central air will make it last longer.  If you are a home owner, this is probably your goal. No one ever asks to fork out 4,000 smackeroos to replace their home’s A/C.  No thank you!

One way you can remember to service or have your system serviced, is by simply penciling this chore into your calendar at the beginning of the year.  Mark a time in the spring and the fall to have your home’s air system checked. Consider it part of your spring cleaning ritual, and part of the back-to-school grind.  Doing this in advance will prevent forgetfulness later.

Now that you know the service recommendation, and are prepared for scheduling, decide if you are going to service your system yourself or hire a technician, or other trained professional. DYI central air servicing is only recommended if you have experience and are confident with your handy skills.

If you conduct the check up yourself, one of the first items of business is checking the air filter.  How often you change your air filter depends on the quality of the installed filter in your home.  Some filters may last between your bi-annual checkups. However, if you live in an extremely dusty environment (such as a desert climate) you may need to replace filters more often.

The rest of the serving will deal more directly with your A/C unit.  Make sure system’s coils and its surroundings are clean.  Then check fluid levels and make sure they are full to maintain proper function.

If you’d rather have a professional do the job, you can search for professional to do the job in your area.  For example, if you live in Salt Lake City, you can search Salt Lake cooling & air to find a technician in your area.  You may find different results if you choose to search Salt Lake cooling & air in the phone book, then if you plug in the words Salt Lake cooling & air to a search engine. Call someone who specializes in Utah Plumbing.

Broken pipes and other plumbing emergencies can be a real handful for homeowners who do not know how to handle them. When a plumbing disaster does strike, knowing where the cut off valve can really help lesson the damage that can happen. Here are a few examples of situations when a cut off valve is important, and where you can usually find the cut off valve at.

Your home usually has one main cut off valve switch. This is the switch that professional plumbers use when working on certain pipes in your home. Usually this valve is near the water meter or your water’s pressure tank.

Sometimes, especially in cold climates, the valve is inside where it will not freeze, such as in your basement. If you are having a hard time locating the main cut off valve you can ask your professional plumber for assistance. They know the general location of main valves in your climate.

There should also be an easy to access valve inside your home. Many sinks have cut off valves directly underneath them. Look in the cabinet underneath the sink for the valve.

Toilets are notorious for plumbing issues. They have a shut off valve, usually at the back of the toilet, to stop water flow. Turning off the valve will stop the water flowing in to the toilet, and stop it from overflowing on to your floor if your toilet is clogged.

Washing machines have a cut off valve near them as well. Sometimes washing machines can get plugged up drains which can cause a lot of water damage to your home when water starts to overflow from it. The cut off valve is usually located behind the washing machine.

Irrigation systems should also have cut off valves. During the winter time in cold climates it is important to drain water from the pipes to prevent them from expanding and bursting. If you have an irrigation system water cut off valves are usually inside where they cannot be frozen over.

Water can quickly ruin items, so it is important to know where you cut off valve is located. Many plumbing emergencies, such as a clogged toilet, can be fixed by you – but can be impacted if you do not turn off the water supply. Professional plumbers should be called if there are serious plumbing emergencies.